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NBA: Teams That Should Trade For Nikola Vucevic

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives into Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives into Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have an All-Star shooting guard in Jimmy Butler, and a head coach, Fred Hoiberg, with the front office’s backing. Hoiberg runs an offense that relies upon the versatility of its big men, and that’s where Nikola Vucevic comes into play.

Bobby Portis is a fine young player, and Taj Gibson is consistent, but Vucevic would be an upgrade over both.

Due to the defensive-minded push Orlando is making, Chicago could potentially offer Taj Gibson and a draft pick for Vucevic. More thought would need to go into it from the Bulls’ perspective, but Butler and Vucevic would offer two forms of star-caliber production.

Both players are a threat for 18-to-20 points on any given evening, and both are young enough to lead the organization into the future.

While Vucevic may not be a great defensive player, he did improve his energy and effort on that end in 2015-16. More importantly, he’s one of the best offensive big men in the NBA, possessing post moves and an elite midrange game.

Butler is turning 27 in September, and Vucevic will be 26 in October. Apologies to Robin Lopez, but this could be the move that pushes Chicago back into the playoffs.

Next: Match Made In Offensive Heaven